21/06/2022
Sharing a very recent article on the upcoming changes to the My Aged Care system. This artice was written for one of the larger lifestyle communities based on the Northern Gold Coast.
My Aged Care – It’s a Waiting and Changing Game
The Federal government introduced the My Aged Care system in 2013 with significant change to occur again in 2023. My Aged Care is designed to help seniors stay in their own home and retain independence. Most seniors reported to the recent Royal Commission they find the system overwhelming, time consuming, difficult to navigate, frightening and intimidating.
Over 62,000 people nationally are currently on the waitlist for their approved aged care package. These figures exclude those waiting for either an ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) assessment or one with a Regional Assessment Service (RAS) to assess eligibility and level/type of package to meet identified needs.
The types of packages currently provided by My Aged Care include a Home Care Package or a Commonwealth Home Support Package (CSHP). An assessment determines which of these packages best meet your needs. The two packages are provided quite differently, the CSHP was designed as an entry level package for low level needs and those requiring only one or two services. The Home Care Package is for those with greater or more complex needs and can provide a number of services. Most seniors end up eventually transitioning from CSHP to a Home Care Package.
Once approved for a package, selecting an aged care package provider can be confusing and time consuming. There are over 3,000 aged care providers nationally, selecting the right one is important as the administration fees they charge to provide your support vary ranging from 25% of your approved package to in some case over 40%. This all means you have less to money in your package to spend on the support services you need in the home.
My Aged Care is undergoing significant reforms proposed to be implemented in 2023. In summary its proposed to integrate Home Care Packages, the CSHP and the Short-Term Restorative Care Program (respite care) into the one program. A new eligibility assessment tool is being developed, there will be more support for seniors to self-manage their packages and all home care package providers will be under the one funding model.
Tips to navigate the system:
• Plan early – It can take over twelve months from start to finish
• Prepare – Before contacting My Aged Care, write down all the details of your health (such as walking, driving, toileting, showering, any hospitalization's or diagnosis, what caring or informal support you have or not) and the impacts on you day to day.
• Don’t assume – staff in the My Aged Care Call Centre are generally untrained and are there to take your details and provide very basic information
• Get help – ask a family member who has the time to advocate for you, follow up and review any contract you enter with a support provider.
Key Contacts:
Centrelink Age Pension Enquiries – 132 300
My Aged Care - 1800 200 422
My Aged Advocate – Cheryl Prosser on 0404 053860 or Facebook
